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Background and objectives: The optic nerve is a component of the central nervous system, and the optic nerve sheath is connected to the subarachnoid space. For this reason, intracranial pressure (ICP) increases are directly transmitted to the optic nerve sheath. Knowing the normal optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) range in a healthy population is necessary to interpret this measurement as a sign of intracranial pressure in clinical practice and research. In this study, we aimed to determine the standard ONSD value in healthy adultsaged65 years of age or older who had not previously been diagnosed with a disease that could increase the ICP. Materials and Methods: The right and left ONSD values and ONSD differences were compared, according to the gender of the patients. The patients were divided into 3 groups, according to their age. The age groups were assigned as follows: Group 1: 65–74 years of age; Group 2: 75–84 years of age; and Group 3: 85 years of age or older. The ONSDs and the ONSD difference between the left and right eyes of Group 1, Group 2 and Group 3 were compared. Results: The study included 195 volunteers. The mean ONSD of both eyes was 4.16±0.69 mm, and the difference between the ONSD of the left and right eyes was 0.16±0.18 mm. There was no difference between genders in terms of right ONSD, left ONSD, mean ONSD and ONSD difference between the left and right eyes. There was no correlation between age and ONSD and ONSD difference. When the age groups and ONSD were compared, no difference was found between the groups. Conclusions: In conclusion, the ONSDs of both eyes do not vary with age in healthy adults aged65 years or older. ONSD does not vary between genders. The calculation of ONSD difference can be used to determine ICP increase.

BackgroundPulmonary embolism (PE) is among the most difficult conditions to diagnose in emergency department. The majority of patients thought to have PE are tested positive for D-dimer and subsequently tested with advanced diagnostic modalities. Novel noninvasive tests capable of excluding PE may obviate the need for advanced imaging tests. We studied the role of combined clinical probability assessment and end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) measurement for diagnosis of possible PE in emergency department.MethodsWe included 100 consecutive subjects suspected to have PE and a positive D-dimer test to study clinical probability of PE and ETCO2 levels. ETCO2 > 34 mm Hg was found to be the best cut-off point for diagnosing PE. PE was ultimately eliminated or diagnosed by spiral computed tomography (CT).ResultsDiagnostic performances of tests were as follows: ETCO2 and D-dimer had a sensitivity of 100% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 100% at the cut-off levels of 34 mm Hg and 500 ng/mL, respectively; Wells score had a sensitivity of 80% and NPV of 69.7% at a score of 4.ConclusionsETCO2 alone cannot reliably exclude PE. Combining it with clinical probability, however, reliably and correctly eliminates or diagnoses PE and prevents further testing to be done.

Purpose: To assess the consequence of the presence, grade, and asymmetry of carotid artery stenoses on the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) measured by ultrasonography.Methods: ONSD was measured with B-mode ultrasonography in 129 patients referred for duplex and color Doppler imaging of the carotid arteries. Internal carotid artery stenosis was graded on the basis of peak systolic flow velocity.Results: The mean ONSD was 3.04 ± 0.38 mm in the patients without or with <50% internal carotid artery stenosis and 2.46 ± 0.35 mm in those with >70% stenosis.There was an average difference of 0.58 mm between the ONSD of the patients with <50% and the patients with >70% stenosis. Conclusion:ONSD is lower in patients with carotid artery stenosis. Carotid arteries should be investigated, especially in patients with cardiovascular risk factors or diseases, before interpreting ONSD values.

Background and Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to obtain quantitative data, taking into account the amount of radiation exposure, about the clinical and diagnostic benefit obtained from panCT in pediatric trauma cases. Thus, we aim to create greater awareness in all physicians and primarily emergency medicine physicians regarding correct selection in terms of the patient group where this effective radiological method is to be applied, and to protect children from the adverse effects of radiation. Materials and Methods: The computed tomography (CT) images were retrieved from the hospital radiological archive system (PACS). The effective dose (Ed) was calculated using the standardized method including the tissue weighted parameters. The radiological pathologies determined as a result of CT imaging of the cases were categorized according to clinical significance in accordance with the Modified CT Colonography Reporting and Data System (C-RADS). Results: The data for a total of 268 patients were analyzed, comprising 89 (33.2%) females and 179 (66.8%) males with a mean age of 8.81 ± 5.21 years. The mean Ed was determined to be 18.14 ± 10.44 mSv. The Ed was determined to be statistically significantly higher in the 1–5 years age group than in the 15–18 years age group (p = 0.024). A statistically significant difference was determined between the age groups in terms of the pathologies determined (p = 0.028). Conclusions: In order to prevent performing unnecessary CT imaging, trauma teams in Emergency Departments (ED) should work in harmony and individual decision-making should be based on the severity of the trauma mechanism, the severity of the predicted injury, and the clinical status of the injured child.